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District budget approved for 2018-19 school year

A $221 million-dollar budget for the 2018-19 school year has been passed by the Abbotsford Board of Education, as the district prepares for growth in enrolment and supporting new educational initiatives. Student enrolment is projected to increase by approximately 155 students, bringing Abbotsford School District's enrolment to over 19,700 active students in the coming year.

"As a Board, we are pleased to be passing a budget that maximizes the allocation of resources, supporting the goals and priorities set out in our strategic plan," says Shirley Wilson, Chair for the Abbotsford Board of Education. "Our focus continues to be on our students, ensuring we have appropriate educational programs and services in place so our students are as successful as possible."

The Board approved funding of key educational initiatives, including:

$9.6 million for the classroom enhancement fund, restoring the 2001 collective agreement provisions of classroom composition and sizing;

$80,000 for StrongStarts;

$220,000 for Early Learning initiatives;

$160,000 for additional support of Aboriginal Education initiatives;

$300,000 for the development of Learning Common spaces; and

$1.7 million for IT equipment and security improvements.

"One of the guiding principles in the development of the budget was to maintain a three-year budget plan to ensuring our resources can support program initiatives," noted Ray Velestuk, Secretary-Treasurer for the Abbotsford School District. "The Board's strategic plan is intrinsically woven into the budget through significant initiatives and programs in place throughout the district. Our ability to provide funding for these strategic initiatives comes from our effective management of the district.”

The district is preparing for a few emerging issues that may pose additional challenges as the year progresses. This includes unanticipated funding changes arising from a new Ministry of Education funding model, unplanned enrolment increases creating capacity utilization issues, staffing shortages and international program fluctuations.

The 2018-19 budget development process involved various levels of management staff during the period from January to May 2018. Preliminary budget information was regularly reported at public Board of Education meeting, along with holding two public information meetings for the Abbotsford community.

The Board of Education approved the final 2018-19 Budget at the June 19th Board meeting.